Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes Bukayo Saka’s absence will transform him into a better manager. The Gunners will begin a period of matches – which is likely to extend into double figures – without Saka when they host Ipswich at the Emirates on Friday.
Arteta confirmed ahead of the visit of the Tractor Boys that the England winger, who has nine goals and 13 assists this season, faces “many weeks” on the sidelines after he tore his hamstring in Arsenal’s 5-1 dismantling of Crystal Palace last weekend.
Saka’s injury comes a month after captain Martin Odegaard returned to following 12 matches out with an ankle problem. Saka’s natural replacement, Raheem Sterling, will also be absent for a period of time after he suffered a knee injury in training.
But when asked if his latest managerial test will turn him into a better coach, Arteta said: “I think so, yes. We started the season with one of the thinnest squads in the Premier League, and we knew that. “If we have the thinnest squad, what do we need? We really dug into that to make sure that we utilise every player in the best possible potential, and everybody has to feel part of it.
“You need to rediscover players in different positions, and different relationships. It’s a really good exercise and the boys are willing to do anything we demand them to do, so that’s a really good thing, too.”. Arteta is set to oversee a pivotal time in Arsenal’s campaign with nine fixtures in January – including a north London derby against Tottenham in the Premier League, an FA Cup third-round clash against Manchester United, and the opening leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle – following their final game of 2024 against Ipswich.
